Fish respond adversely to ocean acidification

Media issued by The ARC Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies

In a world-first study published today, researchers have found that fish in the wild respond adversely to ocean acidification.

“Fish living at natural carbon dioxide seeps have abnormal behaviours similar to what we’ve observed in previous laboratory experiments,” says the lead author of the study, Professor Philip Munday from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University.

He adds that the carbon dioxide levels at the seeps are similar to what is predicted for the oceans in the second half of this century.

 

Image Credit: Francesco Ungaro Pexels